T h e V i s i o n o f I s l a m
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be dutiful to God and bearer of just witness. Do not allow your
hatred for other men to turn away from justice. Deal justly! Justice
is nearer to true piety. (5:8).
History shows us that most failures were due to reactionary
steps goaded on by obstinacy, jealousy, irritation and opposition.
Whenever individuals or groups allow their actions to be coloured
by such negative emotions, they will surely drift on to the wrong
path. If, however, God’s fundamental guidance were kept in view, so
that man succeeded in raising his thinking from the ‘animal’ to the
‘human’ level, it would not be possible for such negative emotions
to gain the upper hand: men would then surely base their planning
on positive foundations—a sure formula for success.
The above basic principle of the straight path in social
matters is very clearly mentioned in connection with the Treaty
of Hudaybiyyah: “And while bigotry—the bigotry of ignorance
(
jahiliyya
) reigned in the heart of the unbelievers, God sent down
His tranquillity on His Messenger and the faithful and made the
word of piety binding on them, for they were most worthy and
deserving of it. God has knowledge of all things” (48:26).
That is to say that the way to keep Islam’s social activity on
the straight path is to hold to piety in spite of the very blatant
expression of bigotry on the part of the opponents. In other
words, no step ought to be taken as a result of, or in reaction to the
behaviour of the opponents. Instead, our social programme should
be based on positive psychology and carried out in the light of
specific principles with permanent aims in view. We should always
keep our eyes on the future rather than on the present.
Another vital principle of social guidance is to follow the path
of God. (16:69). In this regard the Quran gives us the example
of the tree. The tree first establishes its roots deep below the
surface of the soil. Then it slowly raises its head towards the skies.
Similarly, in the making of a community, their inner strengthening
and consideration must be given first preference. No outward
step should be taken before the work of consolidation has been
